Batavia, NY — The 2024 racing season wrapped up at Batavia Downs last Saturday (Dec. 7) night and that also closed the track’s books for the year. After all the paperwork was finalized, the bottom line showed that the business of harness racing at Batavia Downs is operating at a record pace. The overall handle at Batavia Downs for both the winter and summer/fall meets … Continue reading Batavia Downs bucks national trend with marked handle increase »

Batavia, NY — Even though it was getaway day at Batavia Downs as the curtain came down on the 2024 summer/fall meeting on Saturday (Dec. 7) night, the competition was fast and furious during a card that saw drivers Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III win five races each while trainer Sam Smith sent four from his stable to the winner’s enclosure on a night … Continue reading Cummings, McNeight III and Smith light it up at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — The Jackpot Super Hi-5 at Batavia Downs has not been hit in several days and as a result, the carryover has grown to $4,723 after Wednesday’s action. With the meet coming to an end on Saturday (Dec. 7), this must be paid out and the track has guaranteed that pool at $10,000 through the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. As … Continue reading $10,000 guaranteed Hi-5 with must-pay at Batavia Saturday »

Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced the horses of the meet at The Downs, whose meet will conclude on Saturday (Dec. 7). Dougadougadew (Deweycheatumnhowe-Fashionablefilly) has been named trotter of the meet while Won Surreal Deal (So Surreal-Won Ideal Night) has been named pacer of the meet. Dougadougadew is the highest earning … Continue reading Dougadougadew, Won Surreal Deal best of meet at Batavia Downs »

Batavia, NY — The final $13,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace of the year was featured at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 4) night and Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) laid claim to the victory despite dealing with a steady snowfall.  Won Surreal Deal got away fourth as It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) marched to the half in :57.2. It was there that … Continue reading Won Surreal Deal takes final distaff at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association and Batavia Downs have announced that Drew Monti and Sam Smith are the top driver and trainer for the summer/fall race meet at the Genesee County oval whose season will conclude on Saturday (Dec. 7). Monti entered the final week of racing at Batavia with an insurmountable lead in the … Continue reading Drew Monti and Sam Smith take titles at Batavia Downs »

Batavia, NY — The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association is proud to announce that longtime western New York blacksmith, Ray Cable, will be given their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his over 60-years of work and dedication to the horses who raced at Batavia Downs. Cable was born on March 12, 1945 in Effingham, Illinois and followed his father … Continue reading Ray Cable to receive Lifetime Achievement from UNY-USHWA at Batavia »

Batavia, NY — Winter hit Batavia Downs hard on Saturday (Nov. 30) night and a spate of scratches due to weather related transportation issues shortened many of the fields. But the horses that did show up went dashing through the snow and that included the winners of the night’s two feature races.  The $14,000 Open Handicap pace went to post first and Melanion N made … Continue reading Melanion N, Biscoe take Batavia features in a flurry »

Batavia, NY — Despite not finishing worse than second in her last four starts, Oaxacan Dream N was overlooked by the betting public and sent off at 20-1. That turned out to be a mistake as the 8-year-old mare turned in a winning effort in the $12,000 conditioned pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday (Nov. 27) night.  Dave McNeight III sent Oaxacan Dream … Continue reading Oaxacan Dream N lights up the board in Batavia distaff pace »

Batavia, NY — A $13,000 Open Handicap for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 23) night and each event was won with opposing race strategies. The pacing feature went to Melanion N who went gait to wire in impressive fashion. Drew Monti sent Melanion N forward off the gate and got the lead on the outside at the :27.3 quarter. … Continue reading Melanion N, Dougadougadew split Batavia features Saturday »